Hull Stringers and #2 Hull Strakes...

Composite stringers will be used to add stiffness to the hull and deck.  A groove is cut in the 7/8 inch square spruce stringers to accept a 1/8 inch by 1/2 inch carbon fiber rod.  The carbon strip forms a flange on the stringer which allows the stringer to have a relatively small section but provide a lot of stiffness to the panel.  A wood only stiffener with the same stiffness would be about 1 1/2 times as wide and deep.  Here a carbon rod is being glued into a spruce stringer.

The # 2 strakes have a bit of curvature up forward to conform to the shape defined by the bulkheads.  Kerfs cut in the forward section of these strakes make it easier to bend them.  The kerfs are cut with a Skil saw using a batten as a guide.

Here are the # 2 strake sections ready to be glued together.  Fiberglass cloth will be applied to both sides except on the inside of the forward section.  After the final shape is attained the kerfs will be filled with thickened epoxy and covered with fiberglass cloth.

Moving the completed panels from the table to the jig is a multi-person job.  The panels are floppy but strong.  Grant and Russ gave me a hand.

Looking aft, all these strakes will assume quite a different shape with the aft bulkheads and transom in place.

Starting to wire the #1 and #2 strakes together.  The Spanish windlass helps to pull the strake against the bulkhead.  One of the carbon fiber/spruce stringers loosely in place.

Minte is helping with the tie wires.